Search Results (176)

The neonatal development period from the time of birth can be considered the period of greatest physiological changes throughout the human lifespan. These changes are partly due to dietary or environmental factors and are also modulated by genetic, neuronal, and humoral influences. The focus of research is increasingly on the microbial colonization of the neonatal intestine, since the establishment of a healthy, symbiotic newborn microbiota not only corresponds closely with nutrient metabolism, immune functions, and growth, but also with the brain as part of the so-called “gut–brain axis”. At the same time, a critical time window of opportunity opens up for the early infant microbiota, which is accessible to modulating approaches in favor of normal infant development. Although the definition of “normal” microbiota in infants still remains challenging, the microbiota of infants delivered at term can be discussed as the gold standard—provided they were exclusively breastfed and have not been exposed to antibiotics. Advances in sequencing technologies now also allow us to identify and characterize the microbiota at the strain level and to provide the scientific rationale for new approaches to modulate the early-life microbiome in a more targeted and personalized way—applicable also for formula-fed children who cannot be supplied with human milk. This review addresses the challenges associated with the “healthy” development of a newborn during the first weeks and months of life and discusses potentially modifiable external factors in light of the requirements for the establishment of a functional gut microbiota, gastrointestinal system, and gut–brain axis. Full article

Fungal endophytes are microorganisms that inhabit plant tissues without causing disease and emerge as critical mediators of plant stress tolerance, nutrient acquisition, and ecosystem resilience under diverse climate change scenarios. Their unique position within the host allows them to modulate physiological responses more closely than external microbiota. This review explores how endophytic fungi contribute to plant adaptation under climate-induced stresses such as heat, salinity, drought, pollution, and nutrient limitation, with a focus on molecular crosstalk, functional trait modules, and metabolic trade-offs. Key findings emphasize multilayered signaling systems, including MAMP/DAMP recognition, phytohormone regulation, immune tuning, ROS dynamics, and effector deployment, while emerging mechanisms such as cross-kingdom RNA and extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated exchange are discussed as promising but currently limited in empirical validation within many endophytic systems. Endophytes also enhance nutrient exchange through conditional carbon-for-benefit trade and may shape rhizosphere microbiota and soil activities through plant-mediated inputs. Integrative multi-omics approaches provide predominantly correlational insights into the mechanistic basis of these effects, linking molecular function to ecosystem and community outcomes. These insights have potential applications in climate-resilient agriculture, phytoremediation, and ecosystem restoration; however, their large-scale implementation requires further field-based validation and context-specific assessment. Future priorities should focus on trait-based selection, ecological modeling, and biosafety evaluation to translate microbial functions into reliable field-level strategies that support sustainable crop performance under accelerating environmental stress. Full article

Synanthropic cockroaches, especially Blattella germanica and Periplaneta americana, are persistent pests of human dwellings, healthcare facilities, food establishments, farms, and transport infrastructure. Accumulating field and laboratory studies indicate that synanthropic cockroaches carry clinically important bacteria, fungi, and parasites, including multidrug-resistant strains harbouring extended-spectrum β-lactamase, carbapenemase, and other antimicrobial-resistant determinants. Cockroaches acquire these organisms from sewage, waste, food residues, animal excreta, and contaminated clinical environments, and retain them on the cuticle and within a complex gut microbiota. Dissemination is predominantly mechanical, via contact transfer and deposition of regurgitate and faeces on food, equipment, and surfaces, but may be amplified by gut colonisation, microbial interactions, and horizontal gene transfer within the cockroach microbiome. In hospitals, cockroaches can connect high-burden reservoirs (drains, waste areas, kitchens) with vulnerable units, including intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), burn units, and haemato-oncology wards. In food and livestock systems, they may contaminate housing, ingredients, and finished products, enabling spillover along supply chains and at ports. This review synthesises current evidence and highlights the following priorities: integrate cockroaches into infection prevention, food safety, and biosecurity; incorporate cockroach sampling into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genomic surveillance; and advance mechanistic research on cockroach–microbiota–pathogen interactions to improve pest management and safely explore cockroach-derived antimicrobial compounds. In this review, we distinguish external mechanical carriage (cuticular contamination) from internal gut carriage; we use “gut colonisation” only when persistence/replication or prolonged shedding is demonstrated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and vascular abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the microbiome contributes to the pathogenesis of this disease, while seasonal and meteorological variations represent significant factors influencing microbial community dynamics. However, the specific pathological mechanisms mediated by microbial populations within knee joint effusions of RA patients remain poorly elucidated. The present study employs 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology to characterize seasonal variation patterns affecting microbial communities in knee joint effusions of RA patients and to investigate the relationship between microbial community structures and climatic lag effects. Methods: Microbial communities in knee joint effusion samples obtained from RA patients were analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing methodologies. A Distributed Lag Non-linear Model (DLNM) was applied to quantify the delayed effects of climatic variables on microbial community composition. The correlation patterns between meteorological parameters and community structure were elucidated through the integration of ridge regression and redundancy analysis (RDA). Preliminary identification of potential biomarkers was conducted using random forest algorithms. Results: According to research findings, the microbial composition of knee joint effusions in RA patients shows seasonal fluctuation patterns that are compatible with those seen in RA patients, even though there is no discernible seasonal change in β-diversity. Compared with samples obtained during other seasons, spring specimens exhibited significantly elevated relative abundances of both beneficial microorganisms and opportunistic pathogenic taxa. Random forest modeling identified Escherichia-Shigella and Curtobacterium as preliminary candidate biomarkers; however, external validation is required to establish their specificity as disease indicators. Further analysis revealed that although short-term meteorological fluctuations exert minimal influence on overall microbial diversity, specific alterations in mean wind speed (MWS) and relative humidity (RH) drive compositional changes in the microbial community, manifested as rapid responses from dominant bacterial taxa and compensatory buffering effects from rare taxa. Conclusions: This study suggests that the synovial cavity microbiota in RA patients may exhibit seasonal variation patterns that are statistically associated with environmental parameters, particularly humidity and temperature. Due to the inherent limitations of the cross-sectional study design, the preliminary candidate biomarkers identified herein require validation through external cohorts. Additional investigations incorporating healthy controls and osteoarthritis (OA) cohorts are necessary to confirm specificity and to elucidate the therapeutic potential of these microbial targets for RA microbiome interventions. Currently, insufficient evidence exists to establish causal relationships among microbial populations, joint pathology, and climatic factors. Longitudinal cohort studies are imperative to validate the temporal dynamics and clinical significance of these associations. Full article

Hatching eggs possess multiple physical and chemical barriers that limit microbial invasion; however, the role of the eggshell membrane in shaping late-stage embryonic and early post-hatch gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota remains poorly understood. This study aimed to (i) validate a reproducible eggshell membrane extraction method, (ii) assess whether microbial loads differ between nest- and floor-laid eggs, (iii) examine relationships between eggshell membrane-associated microbiota and embryonic intestinal microbiota, and (iv) determine whether microbial blooms align with key stages of the hatching process. In a preliminary experiment using White Leghorn hatching eggs, no significant differences were observed in aerobic, anaerobic, or fungal membrane counts between nest- and floor-laid eggs. In a commercial hatchery study using Ross 708 broiler eggs, membrane and GI microbial populations were evaluated across days 18–20 of incubation, corresponding to pre-pipping, internal pipping, and external pipping/post-hatch stages. Significant, day-dependent shifts in microbial counts were observed, with strong interactions between sampling day and location (membrane vs. GI) for most bacterial groups. Enterococci and anaerobic bacteria were enriched in the GI tract prior to hatch, whereas aerobic, Gram-negative, and Staphylococcus populations were more abundant on membranes during late incubation. Post-hatch chicks exhibited markedly higher GI microbial loads compared to embryos, indicating rapid colonization during the hatch transition. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the pipping and hatching process represents a critical window for microbial redistribution from eggshell membranes to the developing chick gut, highlighting the hatchery as a key control point for early-life microbial exposure and intervention strategies. Full article

Shelters can enhance the growth efficiency of sea cucumbers, while the preference of sea cucumbers for shelters varies among individuals. Therefore, this study investigated the behavioral and physiological requirements of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus for artificial shelters. In this experiment, we considered sea cucumbers that spent more than 80% of their time (2880 s) inside the shelter as the sheltered sea cucumbers and those that spent less than 20% of their time (720 s) inside the shelter as the non-sheltered sea cucumbers. We found that mouth tentacle grasping times in the sheltered group were significantly lower than in the non-sheltered group, while foraging selections of both groups were not significantly different. This indicates that feeding is the behavioral requirement for the sheltered group instead of foraging. The height of the intestinal crease was significantly shorter in the sheltered group than in the non-sheltered group. Further, the defecation rate and 5-HT content in the intestinal tract of the non-sheltered group were significantly lower than those of the sheltered group. This indicates that the sheltered group has a greater demand for food digestion than the non-sheltered group. Compared with the non-sheltered group, the sheltered group showed higher relative abundances of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidia in the gut microbiota. The thermal tolerance was significantly worse in the sheltered group. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in movement distance after mechanical disturbance between the two groups. Cortisol content showed no significant difference either. These indicate that the sheltered sea cucumbers do not require shelters for stress relief in the absence of external handling stress. This study clarified the behavioral and physiological requirements of sea cucumbers on shelters and enriched our understanding of the shelter dependence of sea cucumbers. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome, a clinical condition defined by central obesity, impaired glucose regulation, elevated blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol across the lifespan, is now a major public health issue typically managed with lifestyle, behavioral, and dietary recommendations. However, “one-size-fits-all” recommendations often yield modest, heterogeneous responses and poor long-term adherence, creating a clinical need for more targeted and implementable preventive and therapeutic strategies. Objective: To synthesize evidence on how the gut microbiome can inform precision nutrition and exercise approaches for metabolic syndrome prevention and management, and to evaluate readiness for clinical translation. Key findings: The gut microbiome may influence cardiometabolic risk through microbe-derived metabolites and pathways involving short-chain fatty acids, bile acid signaling, gut barrier integrity, and low-grade systemic inflammation. Diet quality (e.g., Mediterranean-style patterns, higher fermentable fiber, or lower ultra-processed food intake) consistently relates to more favorable microbial functions, and intervention studies show that high-fiber/prebiotic strategies can improve glycemic control alongside microbiome shifts. Physical exercise can also modulate microbial diversity and metabolic outputs, although effects are typically subtle and may depend on baseline adiposity and sustained adherence. Emerging “microbiome-informed” personalization, especially algorithms predicting postprandial glycemic responses, has improved short-term glycemic outcomes compared with standard advice in controlled trials. Targeted microbiome-directed approaches (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila-based supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation) provide proof-of-concept signals, but durability and scalability remain key limitations. Conclusions: Microbiome-informed personalization is a promising next step beyond generic guidelines, with potential to improve adherence and durable metabolic outcomes. Clinical implementation will require standardized measurement, rigorous external validation on clinically meaningful endpoints, interpretable decision support, and equity-focused evaluation across diverse populations. Full article

Colostrum harbors a highly diverse microbial community, predominantly composed of genera such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. The composition and diversity of this microbiota are influenced by maternal factors—including age, body mass index, lactation activity, stress levels, and gestational diabetes—as well as external factors such as mode of delivery, antibiotic exposure, diet, and geographic location. This microbial community plays a critical role in maternal and neonatal health by contributing to early gut colonization, supporting digestion, promoting immune system development, and protecting against pathogenic microorganisms through mechanisms such as antimicrobial peptide production by lactic acid bacteria. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mode of delivery on colostrum microbiota by comparing mothers who delivered vaginally with those who underwent cesarean section. Colostrum samples from 15 mothers were subjected to DNA extraction, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses to characterize microbial composition and predicted functional profiles. Although substantial inter-individual variability was observed, no statistically significant differences were detected in overall microbial diversity or community structure between the two delivery groups. However, distinct bacterial taxa and functional characteristics were identified that were specific to each mode of delivery, suggesting subtle delivery-related influences on colostrum microbiota composition. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, altered motility, and visceral hypersensitivity. Emerging evidence implicates G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as key integrators of microbial, immune, endocrine, and neural signals in IBS pathophysiology. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how GPCRs mediate gut immune regulation, microbiota–host crosstalk, metabolic signaling, and pain processing in IBS. Recent studies show that microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, biogenic amines, and lipid mediators) signal through GPCRs on immune cells, epithelia, and neurons to influence intestinal homeostasis. On immune cells and neurons, GPCRs also mediate signals from external substances (such as fats, sugars, histamine, etc.) to regulate immune and neural functions. And there are challenges and future directions in targeting GPCRs for IBS, including patient heterogeneity and the complexity of host–microbiome interactions. This review provides a mechanistic framework for GPCR-based therapies in IBS. Full article

To unravel hydrological controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM)–microbe interactions in river ecosystems, this study integrated 3D excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy (3D-EEMs), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), and 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize seasonal DOM dynamics and microbial assembly in China’s Rushan River Basin. PARAFAC resolved contrasting DOM signatures between dry (four protein-like, two humic-like components) and wet seasons (three protein-like, three humic-like components). Dry-season DOM was dominated by tyrosine-like substances (58.03%), reflecting microbial degradation and phytoplankton activity, while wet-season DOM showed elevated tryptophan-like components (34.38%) and terrestrial fulvic acids (17.14%), which may be related to rain-driven external inputs. The α -diversity of the microbiota is relatively high in the wet season, mainly consisting of Proteobacteria (34.06–68.10%) and Actinobacteriota (9.15–20.76%). In the dry season community, there are Bacteroidota (14.71–38.45%) and Verrucomicrobiota (6.13–14.32%). The structural equation model (SEM) semi-quantified the comprehensive pathways by which microorganisms inhibit unstable proteins and enhance humification. These results reveal the synergistic regulatory role of hydrological seasonality on DOM and microorganisms, and provide a basis for adaptive water quality management. Full article

In modern animal production systems, the use of alternative feed sources is essential for reducing production costs, protecting natural resources, and improving meat quality. This study evaluated the impact of a unique silage—one produced by agro-industrial by-products—on the growth, meat quality, and health parameters of finishing pigs. Eighteen pigs (120 days old, 59.47 ± 0.85 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments containing 0% (A), 5% (B), or 10% (C) silage. After 60 days, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses; this was followed by slaughter for the collection of muscle tissues (triceps brachii, external abdominal oblique) and intestinal digesta (ileum, cecum). Final body weight did not differ among groups (124.54 ± 1.51 kg), and meat composition (fat, protein, collagen, and ash) and pH were unaffected (p > 0.05). ALT levels were significantly lower in group C than in A (p = 0.030). In the ileum, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci populations decreased, whereas Lactobacilli increased in B and C (p ≤ 0.05). Cecal Enterococci were reduced in both B and C (p ≤ 0.01), with a tendency for increased Lactobacilli in B. Group C showed higher total phenolic content (p ≤ 0.05) and an improved ω-6/ω-3 ratio (15.09 vs. 17.54 in A). The TBARS values did not differ among treatments. Campylobacter jejuni counts were lower in treatment C, and no Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes were detected in any samples. The meat color of the triceps brachii was redder in treatments B and C (p = 0.001). Overall, the innovative silage increased phenolic content, supported improvements in gut microbiota, and maintained meat quality, indicating its potential as a sustainable feed ingredient. Full article

Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms and disrupts the structural integrity of macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. This biochemical imbalance triggers the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and leads to lipid oxidation and quality degradation in food systems. Plant-derived bioactive compounds (BACs) such as polyphenols and terpenes develop versatile molecular strategies to mitigate this oxidative damage. In addition to their direct radical scavenging effects, polyphenols stimulate the synthesis of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by activating the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway. Terpenes, on the other hand, create a specialized protective shield in lipid-based matrices through “chain-breaking” reactions and a “slingshot” mechanism that externally halts the oxidation of γ-terpinene. In food engineering applications, these compounds meet the demand for “clean-label” products by providing alternatives to synthetic antioxidants such as BHA and BHT. Specific terpenes, such as carnosic acid, demonstrate higher performance in inhibiting lipid oxidation compared to their synthetic counterparts. Although BAC use extends the shelf life of products while maintaining color and flavor stability, potential interactions with protein digestibility necessitate dosage management. From a clinical perspective, these compounds suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases by modulating the gut microbiota. This review evaluates the capacity of BACs to manage oxidative stress in food preservation technologies and human health through a mechanistic and application-based approach. Full article

Sichuan bream (Sinibrama taeniatu), an endemic small economic fish in the upper Yangtze River, has achieved captive breeding breakthroughs. To advance standardized and large-scale aquaculture, this study investigated intestinal development, enzyme activities, gut microbiota, and its interactions with rearing water microbiota across six developmental stages (G1–G6) from hatching to sexual maturity of Sichuan bream. Results showed its progressive refinement of external morphology and intestinal developing into multiple flexures. Histology examination revealed four foregut layers with continuously increasing villus height. Digestive enzyme analysis revealed significantly higher activity of trypsin compared to that of amylase and lipase (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing identified Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Fusobacteria as the dominant phyla in both gut and rearing water microbiota. Gut communities shifted from Proteobacteria-dominance (C₁–C₅) to Firmicutes-dominance (C6). The microbial source tracking analysis indicated water contributed to gut microbiota of Sichuan bream, particularly during G3. This study clarified the intestinal development patterns and gut microbiota colonization dynamics of Sichuan bream. The findings provide reference materials for the research on the growth patterns and host–microbe interaction of Sichuan bream. They lay a theoretical foundation for the protection and utilization of Sichuan bream resources, ultimately aiding in their proliferation and release. Full article

Background/Objectives: The exposome includes all environmental exposures throughout a lifetime and profoundly influences health and disease, reflecting the totality of environmental chemical exposures throughout an individual’s life, encompassing both natural and anthropogenic chemicals from external sources. Conventional methods for environmental chemical analysis have generally concentrated on individual representatives or substance classes; however, single analyte/class techniques are impractical for extensive epidemiological studies that require the analysis of thousands of samples, as anticipated for forthcoming exposome-wide association studies. This narrative review analyzes the evolution and implementation of multiclass assays for measuring ambient chemical exposure, emphasizing analytical techniques that provide the concurrent quantification of various chemical classes. Methods: This narrative review consolidates existing literature on multiclass analytical methodologies for measuring exposure to environmental chemical mixtures, encompassing mass spectrometry platforms, sample preparation techniques, chromatographic separation methods, and validation strategies for thorough exposure assessment in human biomonitoring research. The review includes liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques, solid-phase extraction methods, and data analysis strategies for both targeted and non-targeted study. Results: Multi-class methodologies provide the concurrent quantification of compounds from many classes without the necessity for distinct conventional procedures, thus minimizing time, expense, and sample volume. The robustness of the method indicates appropriate extraction recovery and matrix effects between 60 and 130%, inter-/intra-day precision under 30%, and remarkable sensitivity with detection limits from 0.015 to 50 pg/mL for 60–80% of analytes in the examined human matrices. The methodology facilitates the concurrent identification of the endogenous metabolome, food-associated metabolites, medicines, home chemicals, environmental contaminants, and microbiota derivatives, including over 1000 chemicals and metabolites in total. Conclusions: These thorough analytical methods deliver the requisite performance for extensive exposome-wide association studies, yielding quantitative results and uncovering unforeseen exposures, thereby augmenting our comprehension of the chemical exposome, which is essential for advancing disease prevention in public health and personalized medicine. Full article

The intestinal barrier is a complex configuration that defends against external assaults and maintains intestinal health. Disruption of barrier function can lead to intestinal inflammation and various diseases. Mucins are the primary structural components of the intestinal barrier, and their extensive glycosylation is critical for their protective function. Mucin glycans enhance the physicochemical integrity of the mucus barrier, protect against enzymatic degradation, modulate host immune responses, and shape the gut microbiota by providing adhesion sites and selective nutrient sources. While proper glycosylation maintains barrier integrity, supports a balanced microbial ecosystem, and limits unnecessary immune activation, its disruption leads to compromised barrier function, microbial dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and ultimately contributes to the development of chronic colitis and colorectal cancer. Therefore, mucin glycosylation plays a crucial role in preserving intestinal barrier integrity and preventing colonic diseases. This review summarizes the classifications and structural features of intestinal mucin glycosylation, elucidates their roles in maintaining barrier function and their pathological alterations in intestinal disorders, and highlights the implications of mucin glycosylation for precision diagnosis and targeted therapy of intestinal diseases. Full article